Taxi and Bus Driver Tests to be Offered in More Languages

Currently there is a huge shortage of drivers in many types of jobs in Japan. The biggest shortage is in passenger carrying drivers.  As a result, bus companies are reducing service and cancelling routes. My students tell me it is very difficult to find a taxi after a night of drinking parties. (It is illegal to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol, so if you drink, you cannot drive yourself home). 

The Japanese government plans to offer drivers license tests in up to twenty languages, including English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, in addition to possibly adding taxi and bus drivers to the list of occupations which qualify for "specified skilled worker" visas, as the transportation sector struggles with a large labor shortage. 

Regular drivers licenses tests already come in different languages.  The  Class 2 commercial license tests, which are required for transporting passengers, are currently only offered in Japanese. The written component of the test is very difficult for non-Japanese residents.  

This seems to be a good solution to the problems.  We will have to wait and see what happens.